A new vaccine against cancer-causing human papillomaviruses (HPV) is intended to help increase the rate of HPV vaccinations, particularly in developing countries. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have developed a completely new vaccination concept for this purpose. The paper is in the journal .
The is inexpensive and protects mice against almost all cancer-causing HPV types. In addition to preventing new infections, the vaccine also triggers cellular immune responses against HPV-infected cells and may therefore also have a against existing infections. Cervical cancer caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.
The majority of cases are diagnosed in less developed countries, particularly in South East Asia, Africa and Latin America. The carcinogenic so-called risk HPVs are mainly transmitted during sexual contact. The infections are very common.
It is assumed that up to 80% of the population will come into contact with these viruses in their lifetime. In addition to , infections with high-risk HPV are also associated with oral cancer, anal cancer and other cancers of the genital organs. The vaccines currently available against cancer-causing HPV are effective, but have limitations.
They are temperature-sensitive and therefore require continuous refrigerated transportation, which poses a logistical problem in some countries. Their production is complex and expensive. In addition, they are only .